Abstract
This article describes the types of, and circumstances surrounding, work-related fatal injuries in the fishing industry in Australia. Information concerning 57 deaths was obtained from inspection of coronial files for the period 1989 to 1992. During 1989 to 1992, the fatality rate per 100,000 workers was high for fishing industry workers (89.2) compared with the all-industry rate during the same period (5.5). Drowning was the most common mechanism of fatal injury. Common circumstances surrounding the fatal incidents included vessels capsizing in rough weather, and lone fishermen not wearing personal flotation devices, falling overboard and drowning. Workers employed in the fishing industry in Australia are at a high risk of fatal injury, with the fatality rate for this group of workers being 16 times higher than the average rate for all industries.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 375-386 |
| Number of pages | 12 |
| Journal | Journal of Occupational Health and Safety - Australia and New Zealand |
| Volume | 17 |
| Issue number | 4 |
| Publication status | Published - 2001 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Contributing factors
- Drowning
- Fishing industry
- Work-related fatalities